Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
NYC Council Member · Since 2022
What This Office Can Do
- Proposes and votes on city laws
- Approves or rejects the city budget
- Holds agencies accountable through public hearings
- Directs discretionary funds to local projects
Background
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers represents the 31st City Council District, covering Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Rosedale, and Far Rockaway. She chairs the Committee on Criminal Justice, overseeing the closure of Rikers Island, and was the first Black woman to serve as the Council's Majority Whip and the first Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She has directed over $470 million in capital and discretionary funds toward infrastructure and community programs in Southeast Queens and the Rockaway Peninsula.
- Career
- Elected official and community advocate; first Black woman to serve as NYC Council Majority Whip
Policy Priorities
- Criminal Justice Reform — Chairs the Committee on Criminal Justice and oversees the closure of Rikers Island and transition to borough-based jails.
- Infrastructure Investment — Secured equitable infrastructure funding for underserved Southeast Queens and Rockaway Peninsula communities, including $95 million for the 116th Precinct restoration.
- Healthcare Access — Secured $50 million and land for a certified trauma center on the Rockaway Peninsula.
Issue Stances
Sourced from public statements, council votes, and news coverage via AI research. Verify with primary sources.
Issue Stances
Legislative Record
Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.514/S.454, which would amend the New York State Executive Law in relation to parole eligibility for certain incarcerated individuals aged fifty-five years of age or older
Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation authorizing property tax incentives for property owners who dedicate twenty percent of existing housing stock to senior citizens and individuals experiencing homelessness
A Local Law in relation to requiring a study on how language access needs, income, and geographic location affect access to special education programs and services
Requiring the department of sanitation to clean and maintain all city-owned vacant lots
Limiting the documentation of housing history required as part of a family’s application for shelter
Reporting on minority- and women-owned business participation in subcontracts for human services contracts
Requiring the department of correction to create and implement policies to address medical needs during and after lock-ins
Prohibiting triple tours of duty for department of correction custodial officers
Conduct & Ethics
Data sourced from NYC Legistar, NYC Campaign Finance Board, NYC Conflicts of Interest Board, and curated public records. This page is a permanent record of Selvena N. Brooks-Powers's service in District 31.